Paint splattered across canvas tote bags as Utah Tech University’s LGBTQ+ Student Organization held its Paint-a-Tote event Feb. 20 on the first floor of the Browning Student Resource Center.
From 4 to 6 p.m., the LGBTQSO added some color to the cold and windy week by supplying tote bags and painting supplies, as well as food and drinks for students who attended the event. There were tables for attendees to sit at and socialize while they painted their totes. Each student who attended the painting night had unique ideas for their tote bags, with designs varying from handprints to seashells and flowers.
This event is a favorite among the organization’s presidency. Belle Goebel, a junior elementary education major from Las Vegas and member of the LGBTQSO presidency, thinks the event is a good way for people to come together and paint while getting to know other club members in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
“We do tote bag painting fairly often, at least once a semester,” Goebel said. “We also just have a lot of painting and more chill and relaxed activities.”
Other art-related events LGBTQSO has done recently include Nails and Mocktails, Paint a Pot and Paint and Sip. These events had a good turnout with students by creating a safe space for everyone, no matter who they love.
“We’re always trying to grow our numbers,” Goebel said. “We’ve been doing pretty good this year. I feel like [it’s] events like these that get people to show up.”
“You can just be yourself, be a student here and come have fun,” said Mason Britton, a senior history major from Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and president of the LGBTQSO. He was happy the event had a good turnout despite the cold weather outside.
As an on-campus club, LGBTQSO hopes to continue to host cozy events so people can comfortably be their true, authentic selves.
Aliyah Vernon, a sophomore art major from St. George, attended the event. Vernon thought the event was welcoming and a good way to connect with people.
“Everyone loves to paint,” Vernon said. “You just mindlessly do something and talk to people, and people are talking back to me, so that’s pretty fun.”
Laughter filled the air at the event, with plenty of socialization and connections being built among the event attendees. The students who came to the event complimented their peers’ creative and talented designs, building a positive and welcoming environment.
“I think it’s just a great space to be in for queer youth, young adults and allies,” Goebel said. “It’s just a great place to get to know people.”
As students finished their tote bags, they walked out with a smile and the art they created at the event.
For more information on the LGBTQ+ Student Organization’s future events, you can visit their Instagram account ut.lgbtqso.
